BJP workers torch buses, disrupt trains as Bengal bandh starts

November 30, 2009 10:37 IST

A 12-hour Bengal bandh called by the Bharatiya Janata Party to protest the hike in power tariff turned violent on Monday with supporters setting afire buses and clashing with the police, which used batons to quell them.

Train and road services were hit by the bandh.

Traffic movement was disrupted as a private bus was torched on the busy VIP Road connecting the Kolkata airport, the police said, adding bandh supporters put up a blockade on that road.

Three other private vehicles were also damaged in the area following which the police lathicharged the protesters, they said.

In the neighbouring North 24 Parganas, roads have been blocked at Kharda area, while the Gangasagar Express was also held up at Agarpara station.